Pray Without Ceasing: Weekly Liturgy and Intercessions from Metro D.C. Synod

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” —1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

The Pray Without Ceasing movement continues to draw Lutherans across the ELCA and beyond into deeper rhythms of prayer, fasting, and faithful witness in this time of great change. What began as a local call is now a Spirit-led movement connecting congregations, leaders, and communities in prayer.

This week’s liturgy for August 21–27 draws from For Such a Time as This: A Call to Prayer and Fasting by Metro D.C. Synod Bishop Leila Ortiz. The prayers include intercessions for:

  • Those made vulnerable by fear-based policies, especially migrants, those experiencing homelessness, and those facing mental health struggles.

  • Cities and communities under stress, where inflammatory rhetoric can escalate into violence.

  • The church in this time of testing, calling us to remember the promises of baptism and stand boldly for God’s love.

  • Leaders and all in authority, that they may serve the common good and pursue justice with compassion.

  • This urgent moment, that God might transform lament into action and fear into faith.

The full liturgy includes readings from Psalm 71:1-6 and Luke 13:10-17, hymns from Evangelical Lutheran Worship, and prayers that may be offered individually or communally. Congregations and leaders are encouraged to use and adapt the liturgy in worship, small groups, or personal devotion this week.

Join the Movement

Pray Without Ceasing hosts weekly Zoom calls on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. Central for leaders and congregations learning to integrate this practice. You can learn more and sign up at pray-without-ceasing.org.

Through prayer, we are drawn more deeply into the beauty and suffering of the world and sent out with Christ to share God’s love. This is our calling: to be a people of prayer “without ceasing.”

Access this week’s full liturgy here: Pray Without Ceasing – Sample Liturgy for August 21–27

ELCA, Grand Canyon Synod, Leader Resources, PrayersBrian FlatgardPray Without CeasingComment